Jesus I Believe in You!

Amidst the tears and sadness over lives lost in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, Philippines...
Jesus I believe in you!
I know there is a higher purpose for everything!
Your will be done.

Me and Edward Cullen

I am 35.
I should be past girly crushes and idol stuff.
I have a good marriage, a hubby who I love dearest and who loves me too.
I have two kids who give me all the silliness I need in my life.

But can I just have a moment away from motherhood, marriage, and my life to appreciate Edward Cullen?
And how I really appreciate how deep, faithful, even life-ending and forever he can love Bella even if it is only described in pages of a novel and captured beautifully in film?

I am claiming him as my sanity break.
Just looking.
I think I deserve it once in a while.  All moms deserve a sanity break in their own way.

Wow!

Now I'm back to regular programming : )

--Wondermom A. (I see in you the beginning of forever)

Gaga over Hunger Games

I am hooked on Hunger Games trilogy.
I am in Team Peeta.
I can't wait for March 23, 2012.
May the odds be ever in your favor.

--Wondermom A.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Dear Daddy,

More than the material gifts we gave you on your birthday, we (Lia, Ali and me) give you our time together and we wish you a life filled with love, laugther, good health, financial stability and peace of mind...

Wherever you go, we shall go.  Wherever you live, so shall we live.

Thank you for your hard work, patience and drive to succeed because of us. You're the best!

We love you very much.

Mommy A. Lia and Ali

The Climb by Hannah Montana

This song became popular in 2009, while I was still living under a rock void of music.
I only recently came by it because of HBO and Hannah Montana.

Yes, you can say I'm cheesy and old for the song...
but I love the lyrics and the melody.
I can relate to it at this point in my life and that's all that matters right?

Here it goes..

Happy Halloween!

Halloween parties are delightful to witness. I saw my children's simple joys of dressing up with their favorite costumes,

parading around and trick or treating around our neighborhood, and having a feast of candies to take home!

Rapunzel goes down her tower...

Ali the Pirate in Neverland

Ninja protects Minnie Mouse from the evil monsters

Parading around Granwood Villas together with stage mother me!

I decorated our front door with bats and pumpkins and prepared 100 lootbags to give away.  They were gone in 30 minutes!

To the Bat Cave with JICA Gurds!

For the costumes, I asked my sister to buy a Rapunzel costume in Canada ($40.00), (wig P 299.00) at Toys r us Trinoma. For the pirate costume, I bought it at Disguise Costume Specialist, EDSA. Shield and sword at Shopwise Commonwealth (P100.)

                       Pirate Costume for Girls 4T size (P499.00) includes dress, boots, headdress and belt

They are the distributor of costumes at all SM branches. Prices are affordable and they have a lot of costumes and sizes to choose from.  You can also ask them to make your own costume for P2,500.00 or more.

574 Ground Floor,Argo Building,EDSA corner P.Tuazon Street, Cubao Quezon City
Tel : (02) 439-2625
Email : info@disguisecostumespecialist.com
http://www.disguisecostumespecialist.com/.


Trick or Treat everyone!


--Wondermom Aileen

P.S. Pictures courtesy of sisters and friends (Gail Natal, Anne Velarde, Mima Macahilig, Astrid Villanueva and Candy Mendoza)

Kindermusik: A Good Beginning Never Ends

Dear Blog,

It has been awhile since my last post.  I have been swamped by different activities in my life this month, with several children's birthday parties, bridal shower, PTA meetings, and of course Kindermusik.   Did I tell you that I survived Kindermusik Our Time and Imagine That? And everytime the class ends, I get to know myself more.  I will project my singing voice.  I will be playful.  I can do magic. That's my spirit.

The funny thing is that I am not ashamed to admit that yes, I have been a serious person a very long time.  Serious has been my middle name since I started working.  I am glad my best friend to be "Kindermusik" has shown me the LIGHT.

And right now, I am feeling a little bit stressed and sad that my journey with my co-teachers is about to end. But I realized that hey, Kindermusik is right, a good beginning never ends.  The training part of my journey may end soon but my thirst for learning and my passion for teaching children will never end.  My friendships with my co-teachers are just beginning. Building relationships with my families have yet to blossom.  I have to admit it has been a cathartic journey.  But I will not change any of my experiences.  This journey has made me realize the importance of life, love and laughter. REALLY, A GOOD BEGINNING NEVER ENDS.

I will keep you posted soon!

Love lots,

--Wondermom A. , thinking and dreaming about practice class, practice class, practice class!

Being Silly in Kindermusik Village Class

Yes, I survived my Kindermusik Village Class Practicum yesterday.
I'm sincerely grateful to Teacher Jeannie, Teacher Maya, fellow teachers Sig and Rona for bearing with me!
I must have been a sight to behold.  Singing like I'm in church with a tamborine to boot! Dancing and wiggling with a serious face while my tamborine bangs them unexpectedly. What a sight!

My Evaluation: I need to be silly : )

I think I've forgotten how to be naturally silly. 
Establishing my career in a government and international organization for the last 12 years has turned me into a serious, newscaster bedroom-voice, instruction-focused person.

I can't remember the last time I have been silly, harmless, innocent, inoffensive.
The only time I tend to be goofy and silly is when my children want me to chase them "monster-like ala Sadako" around the house. 
I let them peep insde my nose until they cant stop laughing. 
I pretend to be "choo-choo train" and bump my butt with their little bodies while we laugh and tumble to the floor.

I can't believe that I didn't remember these times.  These are precious moments I should have immortalized in my mind, in my heart.
Which just shows...
I can be silly.  Even at 35 : )
I am silly.

I just didn't accept it yet. 
I am accepting it now.

I am letting all my silliness go.
I am freeing myself.
I'm taking my cue from my children.





--Wondermom A. (wishing I can be naturally silly and innocent as my children)

I am Firework!

Enjoy!

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag

Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

[. From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/k/katy-perry-lyrics/firework-lyrics.html .]



--Wondermom A. (letting my firework take its course)

Inspirational Quote of the Day

Have you found yours?

--Wondermom A. (Singing from the heart!)

Welcoming the Year of the Dragon!

At the stroke of midnight, I will turn into a Dragon. 

I have to plant my 35 trees so that mother earth will smile.
I am happy that Kindermusik in my life is coming into place. 
I pray for good health and a cyst-free breast and uterus.
I pray that my children will continue to dream and dream big.
I pray that Luisito will come in due time.
I pray for small miracles and little wonderful things.
I pray for friendships that last, friends that stay despite the distance
I pray that my family will live forever in my heart and in my mind.
I pray for 50 more years of honeymoon.
I pray for love and life.

Maraming Salamat Panginoon!

---Wondermom A. (happy where I am!)

Kindermusik WNCI: Welcoming, Nurturing, Connecting, Inviting

Learning Module 3 is surviving role plays.  I have never been spontaneous.  I can be articulate if I want to, but usually I prepare for it or I have been doing it for a long time that answering instant queries was never a problem. 

During the role play in the Kindermusik studio, we had to demonstrate WNCI (welcoming, nurturing, connecting, inviting) through Kindermusik philosophies, foundations of learning statements and benefits in our conversations.  I felt my mind go blank, my throat constrict and my hands do funny movements at my side.  My eloquence left me.  I groped for words to answer my classmate "parent" inquiring about Kindermusik "Family Time".  I should have, should have...but I didnt.  Hehe I have no regrets.  The incident just made me realize that I need a lot of work to do.  I had to compensate for my limited teaching experience.  I had to read a LOT of documents and answer a lot of module discussion questions at the fastest time, I had to learn quickly all the Kindermusik curricula from Village to Family Time, I had to learn all the songs.  Ha! Time please be kind. 

Goodbye to reading novels for now, goodbye to travelling for now, goodbye to gimmicks for now. HELLO FIGHTING SPIRIT, HELLO SPONTANEITY, HELLO PARENTS! I CAN DO THIS! God will provide!

Ciao for now! got to login in Kindermusik pa1

--Wondermom A. (practice makes perfect)

I Believe: Go Azkals! World Cup Qualifying Game vs. Kuwait

July is a very busy month for a wondermom like me, as in full of activities that are normally not in my mommy calendar.  It felt good to have hours-off to do something that is totally unrelated to motherhood like watch a musical comedy play (Care Divas which I totally loved), participate in a fun run (Takbo para sa Japan), and watch an Azkals football game (Yey for the first time).

I felt my energy coming back, that not even negative people or news around can zap it! I have never felt that "alive" in a long time, that all my senses are in full battle, waiting in anticipation of what is to come, hoping against all odds that the Azkals may hurdle the challenge against Kuwait. The beating of the drums felt like echoes of my heartbeat.

I often feel alive when I play with my children, keeping up with their energy is a totally different feeling. I had to eat a lot after or else I will be pagoda coldwave lotion hehe!

But there at the stadium, waiting with my officemates at the bleachers with no roof,only our rain coats to protect us from the drizzling rain, I didn't feel tired.  It felt good to feel the cold rain, it heightened the anticipation even more.  The stadium was full-packed, groups of all ages, families bringing their kids, students, barkadas, and like us, urban professionals going to watch after work, and all kinds of football fanatics.

It was my first time to watch a football game in person.  I have to admit I am a football fan just recently, and I do not know the football lingo or rules. I dont even know most of the players, I only know my favorite, which is number 10 :  ). 

Number 10!

The stadium went wild with the first goal of the Azkals, I felt I won the lotto, everybody was jumping up and down. 

However, the energy eventually deflating when the Kuwait made 2 goals nearing the end.  Even if I am a newbie football fan, I can see that much needs to be improved.  The World Cup will be a long journey but so much worth it.

The Philippine Azkals team deserved a standing ovation.   I am proud of them for putting the country in the World Cup map, for bringing pride to the country for their spirit, for inspiring so many Filipinos to love football, and for fighting and not giving up, no matter how difficult it was.  There is hope.  One step at a time. 

And you can be sure that by 2018, I will be in the stands with my children, cheering the Azkals, joining them in their journey again, and I bet that many Filipinos will be there!

(pictures from JICA people)


--Wondermom A. (It feels good to be alive!)

Takbo Para sa Japan, UP Diliman Oval

Takbo para sa Japan is a fund-raising project of the UP Center for International Studies in partnership with the University of Philippines Anime Manga Enthusiasts (UP AME), the University of the Philippines Red Cross Youth (UP RCY), and the University of the Philippines Philippine-Japan Friendship Club (UP Tomo-Kai). It is part of the UPCIS' GAMBARE, NIHON! J Campaign project, a series of events to help the victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in Japan.


TPSJ is the contribution to the UP System's "Earthquake-Tsunami Sympathy Activities" in response to UP President Alfredo Pascual's call to “mobilize its constituents, especially those who have benefited from studies in universities and other institutions of higher learning in Japan, to pool resources to contribute to efforts to help those who deserve assistance."
(Source: http://up-takboparasajapan.weebly.com/)

Isa sa mga sponsors ng activity ang JICA kung saan ako nagtratrabaho.  Volunteer agad ako! Kahit man lang sa pagtulong sa JICA secretariat at makabenta ng tshirt para mapunta sa Japanese red cross ay gagawin ko para makatulong ba. Kaya hayun, kahit puyat at konting breakfast, sugod ako sa Takbo para sa Japan sa UP Diliman ng 6am.  Kahit mainit sige pa rin!

Care Divas 2011: Ang Chikang Itrelz na bonggels!

I saw "Care Divas" last friday night produced by Divine Lee.

The show is phenomenal.

My Vision: Inspiring Children and Families through Kindermusik

I am officially a student.  Our online class in Kindermusik University started July 17, 2011.  And I am seriously reading modules, posting replies in Module 1 discussion forum, watching videos, downloading songs. 

In the Philippines, our group discussed our boards on "My Life Now" and "My Dream Life".  I made a collage for these boards, investing in pastels and crayons for future art classes.  In "My life now, I am in a crossroad, exactly the story I shared earlier in Kindermusik Training Begins post.  I  see Kindermusik as an opportunity to resurrect my talents and have a balanced time between work and family. 

In my dream life, I want to bring children and families together through my Kindermusik programs and create a learning environment where they will enjoy "quality time" with each other and will be "inspired" to pursue a lifelong love for music and arts. This is MY VISION.

Through Kindermusik, I will be able to have balance in my life, and have more time to do what I love to do like blogging, writing, maybe in the future even writing children's books, travelling and chasing sunsets wherever I go, establishing a farm and planting fruit-bearing trees of our own, and also being an Advocate of Breastfeeding, Lamaze childbirth, responsible parenthood, and child rights, among others. 

I can't contain my excitement in starting this journey.  It is quite overwhelming but I know that I can do it!

--Wondermom A. (Angelina Jolie is right, a single journey can change one's life...)

cd-r King and Nudekor Wall Stickers: Fun way to decorate your child's bedroom

Last Sunday was a lazy day, with the rain and the cold weather.  I decided to decorate my daughters' play room with a musical wall sticker from cd-r King. 

For only P80.00, the wall stickers are affordable, easy to install and can immediately brighten up your child's room. My daughters loved it.  "Wow! we have a music room!"

Kindermusik Training Begins

From my Facebook Message from God:

"On this day of your life, Aileen, we believe God wants you to know ... that a lot of things you think are important, are just urgent, but not important. Focus on what really matters.

A phone call for example is always urgent - it rings only a few times and is gone, but is often not important. If you are in the middle of something truly important - playing with kids, being present with your loved one, - do not stop just because a silly phone rings. Stay present with what's important now."

===

My family is important. My life is now in a crossroad and I am finding my exit strategy.  Let me explain my story.

I have a stable 9 to 5 job in one of the international development organizations here in the Philippines. It is financially adequate.  I dont get to travel much.  I dont do overtime.  There is less pressure compared to corporate work.  But this work takes me roughly 12 hours away from my children.  I leave the house at 7am and come home around 7pm. I am thankful for my hubby and my yayas because they provide excellent child care support.  But answering to this question" Mommy, why do you have to go to the office" has increasingly become difficult.   I have decided to find an exit strategy where I can have a more flexible time to be with my children, doing something that I am good at and will also be financially rewarding as well.  This I learned is a road less traveled.  Finding an exit strategy, finding myself, claiming back the talents that took a backseat when I went to work, got married, had children.

It is serendipity that my sister told me about Kindermusik because one of her barkada is signing up for it too.  I searched it on the Internet and I was amazed.  Being with children, teaching music, playing with toys and teaching developmental principles focusing on music and family and child development.  I'm hooked.  This is my exit strategy.  This is resurrecting my singing abilities which took a backseat.  This is claiming my love for children and music. This is it.

Sources:
http://www.kindermusik.com.ph/
http://www.kindermusik.com/

My Golden Sanity Break: La Union, Batanes, Manila Bay, Quezon City

To keep me sane these so-busy-PAGODA COLD WAVE LOTION days with opening of classes of Lia, my persistent cough and colds, and the numerous biddings we have to conduct at the office...

I dream of La Union, Batanes, Manila Bay, and even Quezon City, my hometown and how golden they can be...

    Amazing! after surfing the waves at San Fernando, La Union, 2009

Incomparable, one of a Kind Batanes, June 2011

 Panoramic view of Batanes, Fundacion Pacita at the left (the secret is in the camera!) June 2011

 So near and yet so far,One Esplanade, Manila Bay, 2010

Going home, sweet home, along Commonwealth Avenue-Tandang Sora, Quezon City, June 2011


Philippines, you truly are amazing! dreaming, dreaming.....


hay...Now back to reality...

--Wondermom A. (dreaming, thinking of lots of strategies, finding "me" in the process, and instilling my love for Pinas!)

P.S. La Union, Batanes, Manila Bay photos courtesy of my talented sister VP Abigail N. with her Canon DSLR, QC photo courtesy of yours truly using Samsung galaxy tab camera!

worse than chedeng

On this day of your life, Aileen, we believe God wants you to know ... that there is a right time for each of the things you do.


If you try to live counter to your personal rhythms, you will expend more time and energy to get things done. Body and soul suffer when you force yourself to wrestle against your own rhythms. Listen to your rhythms and follow them.
====
Right now, body and soul is suffering worse than chedeng.  Exit strategy comes to mind. 

Lord, into your hands I commend my spirit, be it done according to your will.

--Wondermom A.

My Affair with Sunsets

I am amazed with sunsets.  It brings out a nostalgic, haunting, mystical feeling in me.  Since 2006, I have been trying to capture its beauty when I travel around the country.  From so-so shots inside a bus to simply amazing photos while the sun goes down...

Let me introduce you to my affair...

It all started in Sagada going to Baguio, seeing golden Benguet, I am motivated to write a poem about its grandeur, sadly I did not.  But I was able to capture its beauty albeit inside a moving mini-bus.  I promise, I'll be back to do you justice.

    Benguet (Hi-way going to Baguio), May 2006

My so-called Day-Off

This is my so-called day off.

I was really hoping for a day off yesterday and looking forward to korean food and foot spa, and some clothes shopping at Marien, all in our busy street of Don Antonio/Holy Spirit Drive. But of course, luck would have it that my daughter will insist on coming with me to the spa, and my other daughter left behind crying for at least an hour before sleeping. And of course, Manny Pacquio and Bagyong Bebeng decided to have their own say on the matter.

This is I think the predicament of mothers. We're wishing for a day off but never really getting it, because in real life mothers can't zone out all their concerns. In reality, maybe our day off is just a few hours really before we go back to mother mode.

This is our trip to Chic Nails for spa bonding, while Bagyong Bebeng showered the metro with her love.

Paradise Found in Busuanga Island, Coron Island Palawan

Im back in Manila after our family vacation in Coron. All I can say is that Coron is simply unforgettable.

Jesus I believe in you!

Happy Easter everyone!

My family and I stayed in Manila and simply celebrated the holy week. We went to mass at Filinvest II Christ the King Parish during the washing of the feet and Easter Sunday and sang with the CTK Junior Choir. During Good Friday, my hubby and I watched 7 Last Words at CTK Seminary, cried a little and was touched by the stories told and inspired by the songs delivered.

During the masses, these liturgical songs stayed with me and inspired me to further strengthen my personal relationship with Lord.

L&A Prime Ventures Inc.

Here's to securing the future of several generations of Ramos clan..and of course, I am the matriarch bwahahaha...introducing L&A Prime Ventures Inc. our own corporation...yipee.. Next is finding the ventures to invest in...cant wait...new projects keep my blood boiling : )
I will write a post how we were able to come up with a corporation and business/franchise of our own!

Have a fun week everyone!

---Wondermom A.

Update: According to SEC, there's already a Prime Ventures Inc. listed so we cant use that in our corporate name. We're now considering L& United/Unified/Union/Universal Ventures Inc. Hopefully by start of May, its official already : )

Komatteimasu Tasukete Kudasai

I feel for Japan :  (

Happy Women's Day

Today is Women's Day. Salute to all women : )










I miss the advocacy.
I miss Women's day celebrations.
I miss NCRFW http://www.ncrfw.gov.ph/

Bayan Ko

Remembering EDSA Revolution 1986, I was just 7 years old, too young to understand what is happening to the country.  Now that I am old enough and reading http://www.edsarevolution.com/, I cant help but be proud of the Filipinos who fought for freedom that time...despite the Philippines being corrupted in government and all, I love my country...this is my homeland...my greatest wish for my country I say with a song from Freddie Aguilar...

Ang bayan kong Pilipinas


Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak

Pag-ibig na sa kanyang palad

Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag





At sa kanyang yumi at ganda

Dayuhan ay nahalina

Bayan ko, binihag ka

Nasadlak sa dusa





CHORUS

Ibon mang may layang lumipad

Kulungin mo at umiiyak

Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag

Ang 'di magnasang makaalpas



Pilipinas kong minumutya

Pugad ng luha at dalita

Aking adhika


Makita kang sakdal laya

---Wondermom A. (wishing for a better tomorrow for the Philippines)

You can't put me down

There will always be more talented people than me.  But I am pursuing my calling, my passion and with that, I know that I am bound to succeed.  No asian organization, person, thing or even animal can put me...Wondermom A...down.

If you're asking me what my "calling" or "passion" is... I would just share with you some of the things that have always given me a super high when Im doing it:

1. reading books
2. party planning
3. playing with children
4. seeing children's toys
5. dreaming about Canada
6. singing

If I put them all together, I will have to come up with ....tadah..Wondermom's Toys and Party Needs :  )
in Canada maybe wink wink

Lord. I surrender to you my life's aspirations and dreams, be it done according to your will.

--Wondermom A. (survivor)

Our Fifth

Time flies so fast especially for this month of February.

Valentine's day came with surprise flowers and fine dining date at Chef Tatung, Matipid St., Sikatuna Village, QC. Love the cocktails : )

Surely we had to have a valentine date with the kids at UP Diliman Oval, with their new bikes followed by dinner at Kanin Club (yummy!)

And now comes our 5th wedding anniversary this Friday, which coincides with the Edsa Revolution anniversary. I don't know why but I just don't feel like celebrating in a hotel or travelling somewhere. We decided to have a simple lunch somewhere in Makati, and afterwards reward ourselves with an aromatherapy massage and buy something wood eg. Thai inspired wooden mirror or console table for our house. Based on my internet research, wood is a traditional gift for celebrating your 5th wedding anniversary.

Remembering the time when we first met, let me tell you our story...It started at NCRFW on January 2000, wow its over 11 years ago. I said "Yes" on March 18, 2000. Luther proposed on May 2005 at Munting Buhangin, Nasugbu, Batangas

And on Feb. 25, 2006 we pledged our vows in a civil wedding ceremony at Quezon City.

We finally said vows in church at Tuguegarao, Cagayan in Jan. 2008.



We had kids in Jan. 2007 (Lia Isabelle) and April 2008 (Alissa Nadine).

(Lia)

                                                                                (Ali)


Our feet are itchy feet...meaning we travelled to different places in the Philippines and abroad.


We had our own home in 2010.

We've had our share of nasty disagreements and fights, sometimes to the point of us thinking about separation : ( but miraculously we always end up overcoming these obstalces. My realization in married life is you really have to have patience, understanding, forgiveness, short term memory for fights and disagreements (you really have to forget about them or you'll never move forward), and enormous amount of love and respect for each other. Its not a smooth ride. But we believe that if both of us are willing to work it out, we can survive : )

But hey did I say that I'm grateful and proud of what we achieved as a couple. We've built our family and our home in the last five years.

For our upcoming anniversary poknats, let me dedicate this OPM song to you as my simple way of saying "ay ayatenka unay unay"...still : )

"Kung tayo ay matanda na

Sana'y di tayo magbago

Kailan man, nasaan ma'y

Ito ang pangarap ko ...

Makuha mo pa kayang

Ako'y hagkan at yakapin, hmmmmm



Hanggang pagtanda natin

Nagtatanong lang sa 'yo

Ako pa kaya'y ibigin mo

Kung maputi na ang buhok ko ...



Pagdating ng araw

Ang 'yong buhok ay puputi na rin

Sabay tayong mangangarap

Nang nakaraan sa 'tin ...



Ang nakalipas ay ibabalik natin, hmm

Ipapaalala ko sa 'yo ang aking pangako

Na ang pag-ibig ko'y laging sa 'yo

Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko ... "

Happy Wedding Anniversary Poknats : )


Here's to five years and more of our funny, crazy, definitely not boring life together!

With Love,
---Natsy (aka Wondermom A.)

Kakaiba itong araw na to

Lia: Ayaw ko si mommy!
Ako: Ayaw ko din sa iyo! Ayaw ko yung hindi sumusunod sa akin!
Lia: hhmmp...(nagpapaawa sa yaya)

Bakit may ganon? gusto ko lang naman gumising ng maaga, magayos ng mabilis bago pumasok sa school, pero may ganitong drama? ngayon pang araw na hindi rin maganda ang gising ko...

tanong ko sa sarili ko, nasaan ang patience, understanding, wondermom attitude? nawala : (
ang nagpapasaya ngayong araw sa akin? ang pangalawa kong anak na si ali, ang pagkapanalo ng azkals! at ang samsung galaxy tab na makukuha ko bukas...

--Wondermom A. (siguro pagtanda nitong anak ko, mas magaaway pa kami!)

P.S. tumawag ako kanina sa bahay at ok na kami ulit ni LIA, sabi ng yaya, 4 lang daw silang pumasok sa school dahil baka napagod sa field trip nila kahapon...ibig sabihin pagod lang pala ang anak ko kahapon at di niya masabi na pagod siya at gusto pa niyang magpahinga, ano ba kong ina? psychology graduate pa naman ako pero di nako nakakaintindi ng behavior? ano na nangyayari sa akin : (

Pagoda!

I'm a busybee this weekend.  Its my eldest daughter LIA's 4th birthday, which we will celebrate by having a Barbie Fashionista birthday and swimming party.  Also, she has family day at her school, me being one of the organizers, Parent Officer me : ).  Whew! Relatives are coming from the province tomorrow.  My college friends will sleep-over at my house...I hope there's enough food in my house :  ) time to go shopping!

Wishing you a stress-free weekend folks!

--Wondermom A. (its the love and excitement in my life that keep me going)

Wondermom's Party Needs and Treasure trove that is Divisoria

I am amazed at Divisoria.  My last trip to this place was way back 2007.  I went back yesterday to buy lootbag stuff and prizes for my daughter's family day with a fellow nursery parent.  I was shocked by the cheapness of them all.  We journeyed to the basement level of Divisoria Mall walking from Juna Luna St.  There were a lot of toy stores beside the wet market... Imagine...

pad paper, pens, stickers from P 3.00 - P 8. 00 per piece for wholesale price (if you buy a minimum of 6 pieces).  In the malls, these things costs P 10.00 at the "Everything P10" stalls.
Disney themed backpacks for only P 20.00 (small) and P 25.00 (medium size).  In tiangges, these are being sold at minimum P 50.00.
Pinata for P 150.00. 
Balloons for P 120.00 (24 pieces with stick)
Bubble wands for P15.00.  outside divisoria this costs P 35.00 :  (
and a lot lot more...
I had a realization that if I wanted to have a business that is close to my heart, it will be organizing party needs.  Divisoria will be my main supplier.  I can organize my party needs according to theme, starting from loot bags, decors, balloons, then by ocassion starting from birthdays to halloween, christmas, valentines, etc. 
Oh im so excited.  But wait, where do I start? I have to talk to my brother to help me with my feasibility plan.
Back to blogging soon with my lootbag and prizes finds :  )

- Wondermom A. (excited like a fairy princess)

yey for samsung galaxy

Yey for samsung galaxy tab! Im trying it out now and im loving it.



Cant wait to have my own at Smart wireless center in two weeks. Imagine I can blog, fb and tweet wherever I am, whenever I want to with my Unlimited P 1500 Data Plan with Smart. I still have 120 texts and 60minutes call (naku kaya ko kaya ito?), and unlimited browsing/email per month. : )

Will blog about it soon!

-WONDERMOM A. (excited)

Of Night terrors, mucolytics, ballet and birthday parties

Being a mom is difficult sometimes. There are days when you have to have solutions to night terrors, cough and colds, tantrums, whining, while planning extra curricular activities like nursery family day, ballet class, birthday parties, while at the same time, taking care of your husband and your work and our household and other family activities, while minding your sanity.

Last December, we spent the christmas holidays in Cagayan and attended my sister-in-law's wedding. The kids were all excited at first because there were a lot of sand, animals and cousins to play with. There's also a small bamboo hut that we have constructed in front of the house which turned out to be a Ramos clan tambayan. They wore beautiful gowns during the wedding. But after five days, they missed our house in QC and began whining to go back. My eldest daughter Lia developed night terror wherein her hands are growing big and wailed like she's being hurt by some people. Luther and I began to worry when she had these night terrors for three consecutive days until we went back to Manila. To make the long story short, we had to offer mass in Cagayan, sprinkle Lia with holy water, bless her with malunggay leaves according to elders, and teach her to pray at night. According to our pediatrician, night terrors are common during 3-5 years of age. Night terrors are dreams that turn bad, but the children are still asleep and doesnt remember much when they are awake. My only consolation is that it too shall pass, according to Dr. Joy.

When we got back to Manila, we all started to develop nasty cough and colds, particularly my youngest Ali. Ambrolex mucolytic, salinase, muconase spray, and nebulizers are a common thing in our household now. It too shall pass. What we can do is just wash our hands, not share food and brave the cold.

With all these happening, Im also planning Lia's nursery family day on Jan. 29, 2011 which is also her birthday. Which we will celebrate on Jan. 30, she keeps saying that she wants a Disney Princess theme party and disney princess it is. January is turning to be the month of birthdays and reunions. For the past two weekends, we've been visiting friends and relatives and we've had a blast! And now, Lia wants to enroll in ballet class. Fortunate for us, we have two ballet schools in our Area...House of Dance Studio and Center for Movement and Music. enter the stage of waiting for classes to end while reading a book-stage mother me : )

My realization in all of these? my life is definitely not boring. Everyday is a different day, filled with blessings and challenges! I cant complain! Love my children, love my hubby! love my imperfect funny tiring life : )

Here's to a more exciting days to come!

Wondermom A.

It's time to fly

It's time to plan our family vacations for 2011.  Let's all go to the Travel Tour Expo on Feb. 18 to 21, 2011 at SMX Convention and get great travel packages. 

Since 2006, I have been getting great deals for most of our travel vacations in these travel fairs, from our honeymoon in Thailand, to Hongkong Disneyland and Boracay. 

For this year, our family is planning on visiting relatives in Vancouver Canada. Yey! I'm all excited to go :  ) despite the 16hour air travel with 2 toddlers...oh what a headache for moms like me...better to plan immediately!

For more details on the travel fair, please go to their website http://tte.ptaa.org.ph/index.php.

It's time to fly folks!
--Wondermom A.

 

Happy New Year

'Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred.
Free your mind from worries.
Live simply.
Give more.
Expect less.


Happy New Year to everyone!
What's your new year resolutions?

--Wondermom A.